The Billionaire's Legacy: Where Are All 10 Children Of FedEx Founder Fred Smith Now?

The legacy of Frederick W. Smith, the visionary founder of FedEx, is one of the most compelling stories in modern American business. Following his passing on June 21, 2025, the world has turned its attention not just to the massive logistics empire he built, but to the large and accomplished family he left behind. His ten children have forged diverse paths, from the C-suite of the company he founded to the sidelines of the NFL and the bright lights of Hollywood.

This comprehensive look at the Smith family unveils the current roles, remarkable achievements, and lasting impact of the new generation, highlighting how the entrepreneurial spirit of the FedEx founder continues to drive success across multiple industries in late 2025.

The Smith Family: A Biographical Profile

Frederick Wallace Smith, the founder of the global shipping giant FedEx, married twice and was the father of ten children. His life was defined by innovation, military service, and a deep commitment to his family and the city of Memphis. His family’s story is a tapestry woven with corporate leadership, celebrated art, professional sports, and film production.

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• Full Name: Frederick Wallace Smith
• Born: August 11, 1944, in Marks, Mississippi
• Died: June 21, 2025
• Spouse (1): Linda Black Grisham (m. 1969; div. 1977)
• Spouse (2): Dianne Avis (m. 1979)
• Total Children: 10
• Education: Yale University (B.A. in Economics)
• Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps (Vietnam War veteran)
• Company Founded: Federal Express (FedEx)

The 10 Children of Frederick W. Smith: Public Roles and Private Lives

Fred Smith’s children have pursued careers that span the corporate world, professional sports, and the creative arts. While five of his ten children maintain highly public profiles, the remaining five have largely chosen to keep their lives private, a common decision for the heirs of a billionaire founder. The public-facing children, however, have made significant waves in their respective fields.

Richard W. Smith: The FedEx Heir Apparent

Richard W. Smith is arguably the most recognized of Fred Smith’s children due to his high-level executive role within the family's core business, FedEx.

Born to Fred Smith and his first wife, Linda Black Grisham, Richard W. Smith has meticulously climbed the corporate ladder, suggesting a clear path for the company’s future leadership.

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• Current Role (as of late 2025): Chief Operating Officer (COO), International, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Airline, for FedEx.
• Board Membership: He was elected to the FedEx Board of Directors in September 2025, a crucial step following his father's passing.
• Career Trajectory: Since joining the transportation giant in 2005, he has held executive positions at FedEx Express and served as CEO of FedEx Logistics, gaining experience across various facets of the global operation.
• The Future of FedEx: His current position places him at the helm of the company's vital international and air cargo operations, solidifying his role as the most prominent next-generation leader in the Smith family business.

Arthur Smith and Molly Smith: Forging Paths Outside of Logistics

While Richard Smith took the corporate route, two of his half-siblings, Arthur and Molly, have found massive success in two completely different, high-pressure industries: professional sports and film.

Arthur William Smith: The NFL Coach

Arthur Smith, a son from Fred Smith's marriage to Dianne Avis, has built a notable career in the National Football League (NFL), completely separate from the logistics world.

• Current Role (as of late 2025): Offensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Previous Role: He served as the Head Coach for the Atlanta Falcons, demonstrating his ability to lead a major professional sports franchise.
• Passion for Football: Arthur Smith's career choice highlights his deep passion for the sport, as he pursued his own path despite his family's vast wealth and corporate connections.
• Early Career: His professional journey began with roles with the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) and a long tenure with the Tennessee Titans, where he rose to Offensive Coordinator before taking the Falcons head coaching job.

Molly Smith: The Hollywood Film Producer

Molly Smith, a daughter of Fred Smith and Dianne Avis, has established herself as a successful and prolific American film producer in Hollywood.

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• Notable Projects: Her production credits are extensive and include critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as the 2023 crime thriller *REPTILE*, the 2022 biopic *Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody*, and the Oscar-nominated war drama *Sicario*.
• Blockbuster Success: She was also involved in producing the Academy Award-winning film *The Blind Side*.
• Current Work: Molly Smith’s production slate remains active, with upcoming projects frequently listed, cementing her status as a power player in the entertainment industry.

The Lasting Legacy of Windland Smith Rice and Cannon Smith

The family's story is also marked by a profound commitment to philanthropy and the arts, exemplified by the life and legacy of Windland Smith Rice, and the diverse interests of Frederick Buchanan "Cannon" Smith.

Windland Smith Rice: The Photographer and Philanthropist

Windland Smith Rice, the daughter of Fred Smith and Linda Black Grisham, was a celebrated American nature and animal photographer.

• Artistic Career: Her work, which focused on capturing the beauty of the natural world, was highly regarded.
• Tragic Loss: Windland Smith Rice tragically passed away in her sleep on May 31, 2005, at the age of 35, due to Long QT Syndrome Type 2.
• Enduring Honor: Her death spurred her family to action, leading to the creation of the Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic, a vital center for cardiovascular research and genetic testing.

Frederick Buchanan "Cannon" Smith: Sports and Business

Frederick Buchanan Smith, known as Cannon Smith, is the youngest son of Fred Smith, born in Memphis, Tennessee.

• Sports Background: Cannon Smith was a college football player, serving as a quarterback for the Memphis Tigers after transferring from the University of Miami.
• Business Ventures: Following his football career, Cannon Smith has transitioned into the business world. He is associated with the H&H Services Group, a company based in Memphis, connecting him to the city that served as the home base for the FedEx empire.

The Smith family's collective impact, from the global logistics of FedEx to the creative output of Hollywood and the competitive world of the NFL, showcases a remarkable breadth of influence. Their recent $50 million challenge gift to the University of Memphis further underscores the family's commitment to their home state and the continuation of Fred Smith's philanthropic vision.

As the family navigates the post-Fred Smith era, the spotlight remains firmly on Richard W. Smith's leadership at FedEx and the continued high-profile success of his siblings, ensuring the Smith name remains synonymous with American achievement.